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Digging Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Cable Technician

Ames, IA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Work closely with construction and maintenance crews to communicate marked areas and promote safe digging practices. * Perform field assignments outdoors across varying site and weather conditions ...

ForceSource

Pipe Layer

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Strong digging skills with experience in trench excavation. * Familiarity with concrete forming processes is a plus. Join our team as a Pipelayer and contribute to essential infrastructure projects ...

ForceSource

Pipe Layer

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Strong digging skills with experience in trench excavation.Familiarity with concrete forming processes is a plus.Join our team as a Pipelayer and contribute to essential infrastructure projects while ...

ForceSource

Pipe Layer

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Strong digging skills with experience in trench excavation.Familiarity with concrete forming processes is a plus.Join our team as a Pipelayer and contribute to essential infrastructure projects while ...

ForceSource

Pipe Layer

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Strong digging skills with experience in trench excavation. * Familiarity with concrete forming processes is a plus. Join our team as a Pipelayer and contribute to essential infrastructure projects ...

Hulcher Services Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Digging, hammering, and other physical types of work with various tools * Lifting 100 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects up to 50 lbs. * Work at heights over 25 feet on ...

Hulcher Services, Inc.

Apprentice Operator I

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Digging, hammering, and other physical types of work with various tools * Lifting 100 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects up to 50 lbs. * Work at heights over 25 feet on ...

Murray Company

General Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

This may include digging trenches; erecting scaffolding; cleaning up rubble, debris, and trash; removing hazardous materials, cutting weeds, and sweeping. * Operate a wide variety of hand and power ...

Hulcher Services, Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Digging, hammering, and other physical types of work with various tools * Lifting 100 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects up to 50 lbs. * Work at heights over 25 feet on ...

Murray Company

General Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

This may include digging trenches; erecting scaffolding; cleaning up rubble, debris, and trash; removing hazardous materials, cutting weeds, and sweeping. * Operate a wide variety of hand and power ...

The Driller LLC

Construction Laborer

Pleasant Hill, IA

$56K - $85K/yr

As a team, we approach each day with flexibility and a positive attitude; we have fun digging in and getting our hands dirty. We learn on the job, take on challenges, get results and take pride in ...

JCG Land Services

Abstractor/Title Specialist

Ames, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $23/hr

JCG Land Services is looking for a detail-oriented individual with experience digging into property records and title research, while performing their real estate due diligence. In this role, you ...

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All JobsDigging JobsDigging Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Digging information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do digging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging in Des Moines, IA is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a digging?

A Digging job involves using tools or machinery to excavate soil, sand, or other materials for construction, landscaping, utility installation, or archaeological purposes. Workers may operate hand tools like shovels or use heavy equipment such as excavators. Physical strength and endurance are often required, as well as knowledge of safety protocols. Digging jobs can be found in industries like construction, agriculture, and mining.

What does a digging do?

A typical day in a Digging role involves preparing worksites, operating manual and powered digging equipment, and ensuring trenches or holes meet specified dimensions and safety standards. Team members often collaborate closely with supervisors, utility locators, and other crew members to coordinate tasks and avoid hazards such as underground cables or pipelines. The work may be physically demanding and could take place outdoors in various weather conditions. Attention to safety protocols and clear communication with the team are important aspects throughout the workday.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the digging position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Digging position, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and experience with manual and mechanical earth-moving techniques, often gained through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with excavation tools such as shovels, trenchers, backhoes, and safety gear is typically required, along with knowledge of workplace safety standards like OSHA regulations. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and a commitment to following instructions help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure safe and efficient digging operations, prevent accidents, and support larger construction or utility projects.

What jobs require digging?

Jobs that require digging include construction laborers, landscapers, miners, utility workers installing underground cables or pipes, and archaeological excavators. These roles often involve using tools like shovels, backhoes, or trenchers and may require safety training and physical stamina.

What job categories do people searching Digging jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Digging jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

Digging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digging job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 89% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,782 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Laborer Telecom Underground

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Dycom Industries, Inc.
Construction • 10K+ employees

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about Dycom Industries, Inc.external

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Des Moines, IA
Workplace Type: Field
Employment Type: Hourly
Discover a more connected career
At TelCom Construction, LLC, as a Laborer on our Telecom Underground team, you'll participate in all phases of underground construction, including loading, delivery, digging, and equipment operation.
Connecting you to great benefits
  • Weekly Paychecks
  • Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
  • Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
  • 401(k) w/ Company Match
  • Stock Purchase Plan
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Legal Insurance
  • Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more!

What you'll do
  • Perform construction tasks including loading, delivery, digging, and operating equipment
  • Install underground telecommunications cabling
  • Operate construction equipment, and maintain work areas
  • Clearly communicate with all team members
  • Complete daily production reports
  • Help with site restoration efforts
  • Perform work in all weather conditions
  • Other duties as assigned

What you'll need
  • To be 18 years of age or older
  • Authorization to work in the United States for this company
  • High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or relevant work experience
  • Previous experience safely operating various hand tools and utility trucks, is preferred

Physical abilities & exposures
  • Routinely: work at heights, occasional entry into attics and crawl spaces and alone in remote locations, operate vehicle and heavy machinery; squeeze, fine hand motion, bend, stoop, stand, walk, climb stairs, and lift up to 55 pounds without assistance.
  • Occasionally: use ladder, keyboard and mouse

Why grow your career with us
Your career here is more than just a job - it's your pathway to opportunity. Our hands-on training, supportive environment, and responsive leadership connect you to work with purpose. Our commitment to you extends beyond professional development to a safety-first culture that ensures you can do what you do best, with peace of mind.
Building stronger solutions together
Our company is an equal-opportunity employer - we are committed to providing a work environment where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel connected.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Req Id:

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